Jamiat’s AGM

Jamiat’s AGM

The hall was packed on Sunday 11th June 2000 when. ‘Ulama and representatives of jamaats from all over Gauteng, Northern Province, North Western Province, Free State and Northern Cape converged upon the Hamidia Masjid in Newtown to attend the AGM of the JUT. The activities of the past year were to be reviewed all in a day. In his opening address, Maulana 'Abbas 'Ali Jeena observed that the boundaries of the world are continuously shrinking; and alongwith it, people are being exposed to a godless and decadent society bereft of any value for religion, or respect for divine authority. In such times, it is crucial to fortify yourself into the fortress of Islam. He also thanked the many ‘Ulama from far-flung country towns, and equally large number of ‘Ulama of indigenous origin for having attended the AGM.

Whilst outlining the present crucial needs of the JUT, it was pointed out that trained ‘Ulama will be needed to implement Muslim Personal Law in South Africa if it is recognized by the government at all. The JUT is prepared to sponsor interested ‘Ulama to a attend six-month course on the implementation of MPL at the Fiqh Academy in Bihar, run under the distinguished directorship of Qazi Mujahidul Islam. The purchase of a new permanent JUT head office was also highlighted, (adjacent to the Hamidia Masjid).

Hereunder follows the most pertinent matters highlighted in the various departments:

Secretariat:

Ifta: A shade less than 500 queries were answered during the past year.

'Amilah: The Majlis Tanfeedh (executive of the jamiat) met nine times in- the previous year.

Branches: The performance of the 13 JUT branches have been optimised to better realise JUT goals.

Ar-Rasheed: The Jamiat’s quarterly newsletter enjoys a 25,000 circulation and is distributed countrywide. Four editions were published and negative as well as positive responses received.

Welfare: A total of 500 families receive monthly assistance in some form or another.

Relief Report: The JUT assisted victims of the Cape Town tornado victims in September 1999. Amongst other things, 25 wendy houses were erected, and 1000 mattresses distributed. The JUT further pledged to build a few low-cost houses for flood victims in Mpumalanga, and operations are set to proceed as soon as various checks and balances are instituted. In Mozambique, in addition to various foodstuffs and building material donated, water pump was given as well as a wide array of medical equipment which included 10 000 intravenous drips and 6000 maternity kits. In Kosova many long term projects like rebuilding houses, establishing Madrasahs, and translating Islamic books into local language are well underway Turkey was by no means forgotten. The JUT distributed its aid and established contact with local organisations notwithstanding serious political obstacles. All these areas were officially visited by JUT delegates before distribution was authorised. A contribution to the widows of Afghan soldiers was also made.

Hilal: All towns in the region serviced by the Jamiatul Ulama receive monthly hilal notification by post.

State Lottery: Simeka TWS, the lottery's marketing agency, has requested a meeting with the JUT to ‘inform’ us of it's various strategies to ‘minimise’ the harms of gambling. This was after the JUT issued a strong statement against gambling and the lottery.

Letters of Collection: 134 such letters were issued, during the past year.

All Africa Games: A jamaat Khanah was set up and various da‘wah activities conducted amongst the more than 70% Muslim participants in the games in Johannesburg. Involved JUT delegates have been requested to conduct similar da‘wah activities at the games in Nigeria in four years time.

Ta'limi Report

Supervision: All Madrasahs in Gauteng are visited thrice a term, and operations to monitor standards and promote development of the expertise of teachers have proved successful.

Imtihan: Pilot projects to implement common papers in certain subjects are underway in certain Madâris. Continuous assessment is now normative, and creative projects have been launched in most Madâris.

Workshops: Four workshops were held wherein various themes like mark allocation and assessment in oral subjects were discussed.

Syllabi: The class 11 and 12 setworks have been completed, whilst the present Tasheel series is being subject to a scientific review to rectify,

Internet

An average of five fatawa are received daily via the internet on the JUT website. The internet is becoming a popular communication tool, and many people are taking advantage of it's features like cost effectiveness and speedy communication. Fatawa are received from all over the world, and the Muftis of the JUT have had to investigate many problems peculiar to foreign countries as well. The website is updated every Friday, and hits have shown that many people are turning towards the internet for easy access to information. Of concern, however, is the misuse of internet chatlines where many precious hours are spent in frivolous conversations with total strangers.

Da'wah in the Indigenous Languages

Two booklets espousing the fundamentals of Islâm in the local indigenous language have been prepared by the JUT. The first booklet is in Sotho entitled: Seo Dumelwang Ho Sona Tumelong Ya Islâm, Diketso Tsa Bodumedi le Biotshwaro. The other is in Zulu, and it is entitled: Izinkolelo Zobu-Islâm, Izenzo Zokholo Kanye Nesimilo. Anyone interested in obtaining copies of these should contact the Lenasia JUT office.

Highlighting the Palestine Issue

In conjunction with the UK-based Friends of Al-Aqsa, the JUT has embarked upon a project of highlighting key issues of the Palestine question in South Africa. Thus far, two pamphlets have been printed and distributed in SA entitled: The Centrality of Masjjid al-Aqsa in Islâm, and Jerusalem: The Open City. More pamphlets can be expected soon.

UUCSA

A delegation consisting of 13 UUCSA Uama met with Deputy President Jacob Zuma at Tynhuis on April 5th, 2000. In a memorandum handed over to Mr Zuma, it was pointed out that trend in, the media to uncritically accept any news about Muslims was in fact a campaign of vilifying the faith. The delegation took the opportunity of assuring the government of their continued support for the RDP programme in South Africa.

Lyledale School Soweto

The JUT donated a photocopying machine to the Lyledale School in Soweto as part of its social welfare programme.

Nikah Registers

The Jamiatul Ulama (Transvaal and KwaZulu Natal) have prepared and published a Nikâh register, which is now available to jamiat at a cost of R100.00. Registers will only be issued to bona fide jamaats on presentation of an official request. For your copy kindly contact the our offices at (011) 834-2859 (JUT) or (031) 306 7786 (JU-KZN)

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